events

The Golden Era of Edinburgh’s most glamorous Business Networking nights seems like a distant memoir. Classy venues such as Bonhams, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Divino Enotica, Gusti, Hotel Du Vin, The Old Waverley are to name just a few of the night spots where Edinburgh’s most stylish clientele did the Business.

Two ladies ran the glamour roost in my opinion – Fiona and Gordana. I did some of the photos for their events to help promote what they were doing and I even managed to gain some clients myself.

Taking the photographs didn’t feel like work, more fun and a chance to socialise with a variety of people from diverse business’s and backgrounds. With these events there was no entry fee, you just payed for your drinks and the networking was up to you. At many of these events drinks and nibbles were provided free of charge by the venue hosts.

Fond memories indeed. These events happened in the early millennial era and now that it’s 2019, they seem so distant. I now network in rural Kinross-shire – early mornings!! A different networking experience altogether – our venue isLoch Leven’s Larderand once the sun is above the horizon, you’ll hear cocks crowing, tractors happily plough the fields while your doing your 60 second elevator pitch.

The business breakfast networking is organised by the Kinross-shire Partnership and for a small fee you receive a hearty cooked breakfast with tea coffee and orange juice. I of course supply photos for the business section of the Kinross Newsletter glossy magazine.

Event’s photography is one of my favourite types of job, there’s usually a positive atmosphere in the room. Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city and so you get to meet such interesting people from all different parts of the globe. Kinross is central Scotland and you never know who you’ll bump into in this secret beauty spot.

But what of the golden era of Edinburgh’s Classy Business Networking Night scene? Who knows, maybe a revival is in the pipleline?! Maybe glamour Networking will be resurrected!!

Business Networking events are a way of forging new connections and getting help with leads to more business. However the true essence of business networking is to help others. If you can recommend a colleague to other business’s – that’s what good networking is all about – giving and not expecting anything in return. So this morning I attended an informal event in Perth. I made sure I was there early before 9am to set out my flyers, and grab a cup of tea while I had the chance, as I usually engage intently, so much so that, I don’t have time to drink. The event was well attended and I didn’t even manage to speak to a quarter of the attendees. I always try to remember the words of Eckhart Tolle and try to really listen to the other person, give them my full attention without thinking about what I want to ask them next. I try to avoid losing eye contact, I try not to stare across the room at other potential people I could be speaking with. I look forward to the next event, perhaps in Dundee or in Fife.